Sheffield United: Blades set for battle to sign Stefan

James Shield
Sheffield United

Sheffield United are ready to battle League One rivals Peterborough in the race to sign Scotland under-21 international Stefan Scougall.

Sources at Livingston, where Scougall has made 18 appearances this term, last night confirmed Nigel Clough’s side have submitted an offer potentially worth £400,000 for the attacking midfielder.

Peterborough lodged a similar bid with officials at Almondvale Stadium towards the end of last year and recently stated that remains on the table.

However United, who yesterday allowed Florent Cuvelier to join Port Vale on loan, hope their willingness to insert numerous add on clauses into the proposed deal will persuade Livingston to do business.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and an unnamed Championship club are also believed to be tracking Scougall’s progress.

But The Star understands that United’s negotiations have now reached an advanced stage with the player, who progressed through Hibernian’s ranks before joining Dunfermline Athletic, keen on securing a move to England.

Meanwhile, United, 19th in the table ahead of tomorrow’s derby with Bradford City, are going back to basics in an attempt to preserve their League One status according to midfielder Stephen McGinn,.

“What I always associated Sheffield United with before I came here was a really tough team you knew would put you through the mill,” he said. “We’re going back to that now and, personally, I think it’s the right thing to do.”